The Library of the Prophet’s Mosque was established in 1352 AH through a proposal by Mr. Ubayd Madani, the director of endowments in Medina at the time, with Mr. Ahmad Yasin al-Khayari as its first director. The library houses collections predating its founding, such as the endowment of Shaykh Muhammad al-Aziz al-Wazir in 1320 AH. Historical records suggest the library’s existence long before its formal establishment, as book repositories in the Prophet’s Mosque were lost in the Ramadan fire of 886 AH, which destroyed valuable books and Qur’anic manuscripts. Currently located within the Prophet’s Mosque, the library is open to visitors, offering a range of services.
Sections of the Library
1. Reading Halls
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Dedicated halls for men, women, and children.
2. Manuscripts Section
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Located on the second floor near Bab Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him), at the end of the first Saudi expansion.
3. Audio Library Section
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Specializes in preserving lessons, sermons, and prayers in audio format, located near Gate 17.
4. Technical Section
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Specializes in binding, restoring, and sterilizing manuscripts, located near Gate 22 in the King Fahd expansion.
5. Cataloging, Classification, Acquisition, Periodicals, and Storage Sections
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Located near Gate 22.
6. Rare Books Section
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Dedicated to books with old editions, unique decorations, or distinctive designs.
7. Digital Library
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Located near Gate 12, providing digital research services.
8. Other Sections
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Includes research and translation, security and safety, gifting and exchange, and lending services.
Mission of the Library
The Library of the Prophet’s Mosque strives to preserve Islamic heritage and promote knowledge, providing a distinguished academic environment that meets the needs of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque.